Wireless communication system and method for deliveries

ABSTRACT

A system and method is provided for providing wireless electronic content to members of the public. A mobile backbone of an electronic content delivery system is based on mobile vehicles, as of the Postal Service. Alternatively a stationary network to deliver electronic content is established in Postal Service facilities. A device, such as a Family Message Board, receives delivery of the wireless electronic content, whether from a mobile vehicle or fixed postal station. The wireless electronic content may be processed for a variety of uses including email, internet access, graphic messages, and postal secure notifications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.60/296,106 filed on Jun. 7, 2001, entitled “Apparatus and Methods forSharing of Information Over A Wireless Network and CustomerCommunications Unit For Using Same.” The contents of the aboveprovisional application is relied upon and expressly incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The invention was made by an agency of the United States government orunder a contract with an agency of the United States government, theUnited States Postal Service (“USPS” or “Postal Service”), anindependent establishment of the executive branch of the U.S.government.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a method and system for providingwireless electronic content to members of the public. More particularly,the invention relates to providing a wireless electronic contentdelivery system based on mobile vehicles, as of the Postal Service.Alternatively a stationary network to deliver electronic content isestablished in Postal Service facilities. A device, such as a FamilyMessage Board, receives delivery of the wireless electronic content,whether from a mobile vehicle or fixed postal station. The wirelesselectronic content may be processed for a variety of uses includingemail, internet access, graphic messages, and postal securenotifications.

2. Description of the Related Art

Current technology for electronic content delivery includes such methodsas telephone line delivery, cable line delivery, satellite delivery, andcell phone delivery. Each of these methods are useful, but they all haveweaknesses. Telephone and cable connections for electronic contentdelivery require a wire line or physical connection between the sourceof the content and the content viewing mechanism. Satellite and cellsources of electronic content delivery do not allow for universal accessand have security weaknesses. Current technology for electronic contentviewing devices or receivers include such things as computers,telephones, televisions, cell phones and PDAs. However, there is not acustomer-friendly device that does not need to be plugged in or hardwired into a wall outlet, and that has the same functionality as thecurrently existing devices. One problem in particular is that manypeople cannot use the receivers or devices as a group, the way a familymay use a message board on a refrigerator.

There are currently many limitations to wireless technology. In terms ofproviding universal access, the most critical problem is an inconsistentability to access a wireless network. Transmission stations which areused to access the network cannot either be placed everywhere because ofphysical and monetary restrictions. Uncontrollable factors such asweather, geography and population density also affect the ability tocreate a true universal network.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method and system that provides asource of wireless electronic content through mobile delivery and aversatile means of receiving the wireless electronic content. A FamilyMessage Board device (or similar device) meets the need for a householdsource or message board, which serves as a content delivery device. Theexisting art does not meet this need for a variety of reasons. Acomputer can be used by several members of the household but is notalways accessible; it may not be in a central location, it can be quitelarge, and it may need access to many types of electrical plugs or cantie up phone lines. With a computer, there is no easy way to leave notesthat can be electronically accessed from other locations, other than asvoice mail messages. Current technology can also have problems withinterruption to the transmission of information or a lack of seamlessswitching between a variety of transmission means. The Family MessageBoard device solves these problems by being small with a simple wirelessconnection to the U.S. Postal Service network. By mounting to arefrigerator in a kitchen (for example), the device can be placed in acentral often-used place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and methodfor sharing information over a wireless network. The solution to theseproblems involves two things. First, there is provided a mobile backbonefor an electronic content delivery system, such as via the U.S. PostalService vehicles. Second, there is a device, such as a Family MessageBoard, that receives the electronic content delivery either from amobile vehicle or fixed postal station, and processes it for a varietyof uses.

An electronic content delivery system via the U.S. Postal Service wouldsolve the problem of lack of universal access. First, a communicationsystem is located within each postal vehicle. As a postal vehicle goeson a delivery route, it would transmit and receive electronic contentfrom households along the route. The postal routes could be set routesallowing for targeted delivery to certain homes. Beyond this mobilefleet, there are post office stations with stationary communicationssystems that would be able to transmit electronic content to thesurrounding neighborhood. The communications system would be able toswitch between digital wireless communication and low band radiofrequencies to transmit electronic content. With this electronic contentdelivery system, information may be sent in secure packets via wirelessor radio frequency from postal delivery trucks or facilities tocustomers. The transmission of content itself and the content areprotected from tampering under Federal Law, as the content is uploadedand/or downloaded into the mobile transmission station.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claim. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.Thus, the present invention comprises a combination of features, steps,and advantages which enable it to overcome various deficiencies of theprior art. The various characteristics described above, as well as otherfeatures, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art uponreading the following detailed description of the preferred embodimentsof the invention, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. Theaccompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a partof this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,which form a part of the specification, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is schematic overview of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is also a schematic overview of the system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1C is a schematic of the system showing providers and facilitiesfor communication.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic presentation of a computer of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of wireless input-output of the computer ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5A is a schematic view of a family message board.

FIG. 5B is a detailed view of an embodiment of a family message board.

FIG. 5C is a detailed view of a further embodiment of a family messageboard.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a further embodiment of a family message board.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the computer in a family message board.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the functionality of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the email functionality of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the internet access functionality of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of special messages functionality of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of secure notification functionality of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of optional uses functionality of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1A is a simplistic view of the content delivery system. It showsthe U.S. Postal Service transmitting wireless content to the U.S. PostalService customer and vice versa. The content for delivery may begenerated by the U.S. Postal Service or it may be downloaded into theU.S. Postal Service system from the internet.

FIG. 1B shows more detail in an overall view of an electronic contentdelivery system. It shows U.S. Postal Service facilities, such as postoffices and mail processing facilities, transmitting and receivinginformation from U.S. Postal Service vehicles, such as mail trucks andrural delivery vehicles. Both of these, U.S. Postal Service facilitiesand U.S. Postal Service vehicles, upload, download, and transmitelectronic content to U.S. Postal Service customers and vice versa.Included in the upload to the vehicle may be a request to the system foraccess to a particular internet location.

In FIG. 1B, there is a wireless network of U.S. Postal Servicefacilities and vehicles which create a secure wireless network with thecustomer. The facilities will transmit (i.e., upload and download)content to the vehicles that are specific to the customers on thevehicle's or the carrier's route, and then those vehicles in turntransmit information to the specific customers as they drive along theirroute. Thus, there is both a hard copy delivery network and a wirelessdelivery network. For example, it is envisioned that the U.S. PostalService facilities in FIG. 1B will be able to accept electronic contentfrom business customers, such as large mail houses, advertisingagencies, print shops, etc. The U.S. Postal Service would then be ableto take the content and transmit it wirelessly to the subscribedcustomers, either from the U.S. Postal Services facilities and/or fromU.S. Postal Services vehicles.

FIG. 1C shows the different providers and facilities, and differentvarieties of vehicles that transmit and receive information as part ofan electronic content delivery system. FIG. 1C shows several but not allof the types of U.S. Postal Service facilities 101, from amail-processing center 105 to a bulk mail center 110 to a regular postoffice 115. In addition, FIG. 1C also shows several but not all of thetypes of U.S. Postal Service vehicles 102, from a standard postaldelivery van 120, a rural carrier 125, and a rural carrier contractvehicle 130. In rural areas, the postal service contracts to ruralcarriers who use their own private cars under private contract to theU.S. Postal Service. The figure also shows U.S. Postal Service customers135. There are a variety of postal service customers who receive maildelivery in a variety of ways, from the standard house mailbox to theapartment building cluster boxes. The U.S. Postal Service has a varietyof customers and any customer would be able to be part of this system asthe system provides for universal access.

FIG. 2 shows a house, which is labeled U.S. Postal Service Customer 150,and a truck. FIG. 2 shows one approach of delivery of electronic contentto a U.S. Postal Service customer from Postal Service vehicles and/orfacilities. The truck symbolizes a U.S. Postal Service delivery vehicle.This can be either a postal service owned truck or a contracted vehicle.The truck has a wireless antenna 205 and a computer 210. The computer210, produces electronic content that is transmitted through the antennato the U.S. Postal Service customer. In household 150, there is a FamilyMessage Board unit 250. FIG. 2 also shows a lightning bolt from thetruck to the household depicting that as the truck moves through theneighborhood, it may transmit electronic content to the devices withinthe households and vice versa.

In FIG. 2, one can replace the truck with a postal service facility andit can have the same interaction with the U.S. Postal Service customer.In FIG. 2 the content delivered is not being sent through a third partymeans, but rather only through U.S. Postal Service vehicles orfacilities, and thus is secure. The secure relaying of electroniccontent from the U.S. Postal Service to the customer can interface withthe Family Message Board device or with other commercially developedproducts.

FIG. 3 depicts computer 210 of FIG. 2, the computer that was either inthe postal service facility and/or the postal service vehicle. Computer210 includes a variety of elements. There is a computer processor 310, awireless input-output transmitting device 320 with a connection for awireless antenna 330, and a memory that will hold information contentand customer requests. Computer 210 may also include other componentssuch as memory 340, that may include information content 350, andcustomer requests 360.

FIG. 4 shows the wireless input-output portion of the computer which wasshown in FIG. 3. Element 320 is comprised of components combined in aunique way. The wireless capabilities include digital wireless or lowband radio frequency, or both. Thus, the device can transmit electroniccontent wirelessly, using either digital wireless, and/or low band radiofrequency. With the ability to transmit in two different ways, if one ofthose ways, such as digital wireless does not work or there isinterference, the alternate system is used.

Family Message Board Device for Using Content Delivery System

FIG. 5A shows a simplified representation of the Family Message Board.The Family Message Board was originally depicted in FIG. 2 as device250. FIG. 5A shows some of the basic elements of the Family MessageBoard. Element 525 is a computer which is housed within device 250.Element 510 is a standard touch screen, which displays information andis the interface for the user. Optionally, the unit could have a screensaver or a screen cover to protect the screen. If the unit is on all thetime, a screen saver could be used. Element 505 is a wireless antenna.

FIG. 5A depicts one mode of operation, using elements 505, 510, and 525,as previously explained. For input into the device, there are manyalternatives. For example, a keyboard could be used instead of the touchscreen. For data transmission, there are also many alternatives. Insteadof a wireless antenna, device 250 could use wire line or other datatransmission means. In addition, there are a variety of computers thatcould be used within device 250. Thus, FIG. 5A represents one of manypossible modes of operation.

FIG. 5B provides a detailed view of some of the optional elements ofdevice 250. Beyond the elements in FIG. 5A, there arc optionalenhancements, as shown by elements 515, 520, 530, 535, 510, and 540.Element 515, is a stylus, such as a stylus pen, with a holder. This pencan be used to write a message on the Family Message Board or to touchparts of the screen. Element 520 is an infra-red detector or IR port,which enables the device 250 to download and/or upload information to orfrom either a wireless device, such as a cell phone or a PDA, or anyother device that transmits information via an infra-red port. Bothstylus 515 and IR port 520 may be used in a variety of applications.Element 530 includes forward and backward buttons, which are used toscroll forward and backwards through either viewing screens or throughdifferent software elements within the device. Element 535 is a ball,such as a roll ball, mouse, guide or track ball, which would allow theuser to move a cursor around the screen, just as one does now on astandard computer. Element 510 is a touch screen, although anotheroption is to have a non touch sensitive screen instead. In oneimplementation, element 510 is a flat screen, however, other types ofdisplays can be used. Element 540 is a set of huttons on the side of thedevice 250 which allows the user to choose different applications in thedevice 250 and can be linked to different commands within the operatingsystem software on the device 250. Within FIG. 5B, all the elements canbe placed anywhere within or on the device 250.

FIG. 5C shows more optional elements of device 250, including elements550, 545, 552, 555, 560, and 565. Element 550 is a solar energy panel.Element 550 depicts a solar panel which can power the device 250 usingartificial and/or natural light. Solar panels 550 can be placed anywhereon the device 250. Element 552 depicts a rechargeable power source whichobtains power from solar panel 550 or any other energy source, andelement 552 can store energy for later use. Thus, device 250 can bepowered by more conventional means, such as Through an electrical outletor batteries. Element 545 includes one or more speakers. Speakers 545include digital speakers or other types of speakers. Speakers 545 can beplaced anywhere on device 250. Element 555 is a backlighting devicewhich illuminates the screen 510 in the low light and/or darkconditions. This is a standard light source that is found on manydevices, such as cell phones and PDAs. Element 560 is a microphone. Thismicrophone enables device 250 to record verbal and/or sound messages.Element 565 is a button that works as both a proximity detector and anon/off switch. It can be implemented as two distinct elements or as oneintegrated element. For the proximity detection functionality, it wouldcause device 250 to turn the screen 510 on when a person comes near thedevice 250 and to turn off the device 250 when ii has riot been used fora set time. For the on/off function, pressing the button would turn thedevice screcn 510 on or off. All of these elements can be placedanywhere on the device 250 and do not necessarily have to be where theyare depicted in the FIG. 5C. Any or all of the elements that aredepicted in FIGS. 5B and 5C can be incorporated into device 250.

FIG. 6 shows optional elements that are on the back or bottom of thedevice 250 numbered 575, 570, 580, and 585. Element 570 is a magneticcomponent which enables the device 250 to he mounted on a metal surface,like a refrigerator. Element 575 is a table stand, so the device 250 canbe put upon a table instead of a wall surface. Element 580 depicts awall mount that enables the device 250 to be mounted on the wall, by ameans other than magnetic means. Element 585 depicts shielding whichwould prevent the magnetic fields from the magnets from interfering withthe operation of device 250 and with the internal memory of the device250. The elements 580, 575, 585, and 570 can be placed anywhere on theback or bottom of the device 250 and do not need to appear exactly asthey appear in FIG. 6.

FIG. 5C shows more optional elements of device 250, including elements550, 545, 555, 560, and 565. Element 550 is a solar energy panel.Element 550 depicts a solar panel which can power the device usingartificial and/or natural light. Solar panels 550 can be placed anywhereon the device. Element 552 depicts a rechargeable power source whichobtains power from solar panel 550 or any other energy source, andelement 552 can store energy for later use. Thus, device 250 can bepowered by more conventional means, such as through an electrical outletor batteries. Element 545 includes one or more speakers. Speakers 545include digital speakers or other types of speakers. Speakers 525 can beplaced anywhere on device 250. Element 555 is a backlighting devicewhich illuminates the screen in the low light and/or dark conditions.This is a standard light source that is found on many devices, such ascell phones and PDAs. Element 560 is a microphone. This microphoneenables device 250 to record verbal and/or sound messages. Element 565is a button that works as both a proximity detector and an on/offswitch. It can be implemented as two distinct elements or as oneintegrated element. For the proximity detection functionality, it wouldcause device 250 to turn the screen on when a person comes near thedevice and to turn off the device when it has not been used for a settime. For the on/off function, pressing the button would turn the devicescreen on or off. All of these elements can be placed anywhere on thedevice and do not necessarily have to be where they are depicted in theFIG. 5C. Any or all of the elements that are depicted in FIGS. 5B and 5Ccan be incorporated into device 250.

FIG. 6 shows optional elements that are on the back or bottom of thedevice, numbered 575, 570, 580, and 585. Element 570 is a magneticcomponent which enables the device to be mounted on a metal surface,like a refrigerator. Element 575 is a table stand, so the device can beput upon a table instead of a wall surface. Element 580 depicts a wallmount that enables the device to be mounted on the wall, by a meansother than magnetic means. Element 585 depicts shielding which wouldprevent the magnetic fields from the magnets interfering with theoperation of device 250 and the internal memory of the machine. Theelements 580, 575, 585, and 570 can be placed anywhere on the back orbottom of the device and do not need to appear exactly as they appear inFIG. 6.

FIG. 7 shows computer 525 from FIG. 5A in more detail. This is similarto the computer described in FIG. 3. Computer 525 includes a variety ofelements. There is a computer processor, a wireless input-outputtransmitting device with a wireless antenna, and a memory that will holdinformation content and customer requests. Computer 525 may also includeother components.

Device 250 could be built in any size or shape. The device should be bigenough to allow easy viewing and thin enough for easy mounting andplacement. One set of dimensions of the device could be 12 inches tallby 12 inches wide by an half inch thick. This would enable the device tobe relatively small, enable the device to be mounted easily, and wouldalso enable the device not to be in the way of any other operationswithin the household. It would also be less obtrusive than many of theconsumer products currently in the market place.

Methods of Operation

FIG. 8 provides an overview of the applications of device 250, thecustomer unit. These applications include e-mail 810, internet access820, special messages 830, U.S. Postal Service Secure Notification 840and other uses 850. The use of some of the options are common electroniccommunications, e.g., e-mail and internet access. In order to use someof these options, i.e. special messages or U.S. Postal Service securednotification, the U.S. Postal Service customer would need to opt-in tothe option.

FIG. 9 provides more detail on the use of e-mail. The use of e-mailcould be, but is not limited to, an e-mail account that is based on theelectronic content delivery system 910. The customer unit, or device250, could have a unique e-mail address.

Another option is to tie the customer unit to other email accounts 920,including forwarding messages from other accounts. The email software atthe customer unit may have specific folders such as an inbox, trash,messages sent, etc.

FIG. 10 provides more detail on internet access. In FIG. 10, internetaccess flow includes two types of use, periodic download 1010 andimmediate download 1020. In periodic download, the user has the abilityto download and/or upload content at specific time intervals. A periodicdownload may be necessary, if there is not a continual available sourcefor internet access. For example, the user could program the device torefresh the memory at a specific time, such as, two o'clock in themorning, or whenever the user has internet access. In immediatedownload, the user has the ability to download and/or upload content atall times. Immediate download depends on availability, but if digitalaccess or radio frequency access through the U.S. Postal Service isavailable, the user could connect to the internet at any time using thedevice. However, constant use may or may not be an option in all areas.Internet access provides for accessing email 1030, the world wide web1040, and other uses 1050 such as connecting to different types ofinformation content such as, Gopher Systems, and/or other types ofinformation content protocols.

FIG. 11 provides more detail on special messages. Special messagesinclude but are not limited to three types of message relaying systems.One type of message system is a graffiti writing board 1110, like thoseavailable on handheld PDAs, which enables the user of the device towrite a message on the touch screen. Another type of message system is amicrophone board 1120. The microphone board is a voice message system,where a user records a message to be accessed later, either by the useror someone else. Another type of message system is pay message content1130. Pay message content is an option where companies and/or businesseswould send advertising mail and/or messages to the consumer in an opt-inmode that would be displayed on the Family Message Board. As an example,instead of receiving pizza coupons via a hard copy mail, a company couldprovide those same coupons electronically to the consumer. The consumercould also use the feature to securely order items from a business. Thiswould be part of an opt-in program where a customer could choose toreceive and send electronic requests through the Family Message Board.By choosing to participate, the consumer could access local businesseslike a grocery store. The customer could send an order to the grocerystore for groceries and then have them waiting for them at a particulartime. In turn the grocery store could inform the customer of sales orpromotions. This local opt-in access program would provide a valuableservice to the community.

FIG. 12 provides more detail on Secure Notification. Secure Notificationuses special protocols that are unique to the U.S. Postal Service andunique to the device, such as an electronic postmark 1210.

Within Secure Notification, the customer could change their address1220, transmit a special request to the postal service 1230 (forexample, a request to hold mail), and could transmit information onspecial programs 1240 (for example, eBill Pay). A delivery notification1250 feature could be included. This could help with the current problemthat, in order for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver a package to ahousehold, a member of the household must be present to accept thatpackage. Depending on security of the neighborhood, the U.S. PostalService will leave a slip of paper on the customer's door. The customerthen either has to sign the paper and describe where they want theirpackage left or they have to go physically to a post office location,present the slip, and then accept the package. In contrast, deliverynotification from the U.S. Postal Service would electronically link aphysical address to an electronic address. It would send to theelectronic address notification regarding a package. The user could sendback to the postal service instructions on what to do with the package.Then the package would be delivered per the instructions. The deliverynotification option would also enable the user to sign for delivery ofexpress mail and/or certified mail using an electronic signature. Theseare just some of many examples of different options of deliverynotification. Electronic receipts 1260 for delivery of items is anotheroption. When a user accepts a package, a receipt for the delivery of aparcel or a product could be sent to the sender, with signatureconfirmation and/or delivery confirmation.

FIG. 13 provides more detail on other optional uses of the customerunit. Other options include an electronic calendar 1310 or digitalcalendar, a phone book/address book 1320, as well as other options 1330.These uses may be performed by any software application that the usercould use within this device, such as a software program for cooking oran index of recipes. One skilled in the art would be aware of other usesfor the apparatus and methods described herein.

While preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown anddescribed, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit or teaching of this invention. Theembodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting.Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus arepossible and are within the scope of the invention. One of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the process just described mayeasily have steps added, taken away, or modified without departing fromthe principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope ofprotection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but isonly limited by the claims which follow, the scope of which shallinclude all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

1. A method of providing wireless electronic communication comprising:locating a wireless communication system within a mobile postal vehiclewherein said wireless communication system is capable of receiving andtransmitting electronic data; locating a wireless communication systemwithin a stationary postal facility wherein said wireless communicationsystem is capable of receiving and transmitting electronic data;transmitting electronic data from a mobile postal vehicle to a familymessage board device including a wireless communication system capableof receiving and transmitting electronic data; transmitting electronicdata from a stationary postal facility to said family message boarddevice; receiving electronic data from said family message board;transmitting electronic data from said stationary postal facility tosaid mobile postal vehicle; and transmitting the same electronic datafrom said mobile postal vehicle to said family message hoard.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising transmitting electronic data fromsaid mobile postal vehicle to said stationary postal facility.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the electronic data received from said familymessage board comprises electronic data received by either saidstationary postal facility or by said mobile postal vehicle.
 4. A methodof providing wireless electronic communication comprising: locating awireless communication system within a mobile postal vehicle whereinsaid wireless communication system is capable of receiving andtransmitting electronic data; locating a wireless communication systemwithin a stationary postal facility wherein said wireless communicationsystem is capable of receiving and transmitting electronic data;transmitting electronic data from a mobile postal vehicle to a familymessage board device including a wireless communication system capableof receiving and transmitting electronic data; transmitting electronicdata from a stationary postal facility to said family message boarddevice; receiving electronic data from said family message board;receiving electronic data from said family message board by a mobilepostal vehicle; and receiving the same electronic data from said mobilepostage vehicle by said stationary postal facility.
 5. The method ofclaim 4 further comprising transmitting electronic data from saidstationary postal facility to said mobile postal vehicle.
 6. The methodof claim 4 wherein the electronic data received from said family messageboard comprises electronic data received by either said stationarypostal facility or by said mobile postal vehicle.
 7. A systemcomprising: a stationary warehouse containing parcels for delivery torespective parcel receipt facilities; and a mobile vehicle containingparcels from the warehouse and identified for delivery to respectivesaid parcel receipt facilities, wherein the warehouse and the vehiclehave respective wireless communication systems for performing a methodcomprising: wirelessly transmitting first electronic data from thewarehouse addressed for receipt by the vehicle and identifying one saidparcel contained in the vehicle for delivery to one said parcel receiptfacility; wirelessly receiving, at the vehicle, the wirelesstransmission of the first electronic data; wirelessly transmitting, fromthe vehicle, the first electronic data addressed for wireless receiptand output at an computing device having a wireless communication systemat the one said parcel receipt facility; receiving a wirelesstransmission at the vehicle, addressed for receipt at the vehicle fromthe computing device, and containing second electronic dataacknowledging receipt of the first electronic data at the computingdevice; wirelessly transmitting the second electronic data from thevehicle addressed for wireless receipt at the warehouse; and receiving,at the warehouse, a wireless transmission from the vehicle andcontaining the second electronic data.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein: the stationary package delivery warehouse is a stationarypostal facility; and said mobile parcel delivery vehicle is selectedfrom the group consisting of a postal delivery van, a rural carrier, anda contracted rural carrier private car.
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein said computing device comprises a computer, a touch screen, awireless antenna, and a keyboard.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein;said computing device further comprises a wireline connection; and theinput device is selected from the group consisting of, a stylus pen, aninfrared port, a forward button, a backward button, a roll, andcombinations thereof.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein: said computingdevice further comprises one of more functional components selected fromthe group consisting of a solar energy panel, a rechargeable powersource, at least one speaker, and a proximity detector; the input devicecomprises a microphone; and the display screen further comprises abacklighting device.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said proximitydetector further comprises an on/off switch for the computing device.13. The method of claim 7 wherein said computing device comprises atleast one functionality from the group consisting of email, internetaccess, and special messages.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein saidemail function is selected from the group consisting of system email andoutside email accounts.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein saidinternet access functionality is selected from the group consisting of aperiodic download, and an immediate download.
 16. The method of claim13, wherein said special messages functionality are selected from thegroup consisting of graffiti writing board, microphone board, andpay-message content.
 17. The method of claim 7, wherein: said computingdevice further comprises functionality for secure notification; and theinput further comprises data selected from the group consisting of achange of address request, a mail request, a request for an e-bill pay,a request to withhold the delivery of a parcel, a request related toexpress mail, a request related to certified mail, a receipt on deliveryof a parcel, and combinations thereof.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein said input further comprises a request related to an electronicpostmark.
 19. The method of claim 7 wherein said computing deviceincludes the functionality of an electronic calendar and phone book. 20.The system as defined in claim 7, wherein: the first electronic datarepresents a notification of an intended delivery of the one said parcelto the one said parcel receipt facility; and the second electronic datafurther comprises instructions for the delivery of the one said parcelto the one said parcel receipt facility.
 21. The system as defined inclaim 7, wherein: the first electronic data further comprises a requestfor an electronic signature; and the second electronic data furthercomprises the electronic signature.
 22. The system as defined in claim7, wherein the method further comprising: wirelessly transmitting thirdelectronic data from the warehouse addressed for wireless receipt andoutput by the computing device; and receiving a wireless transmission atthe warehouse, addressed for delivery at the warehouse from thecomputing device, and containing fourth electronic data.
 23. A methodcomprising: wirelessly receiving first electronic data in a firsttransmission addressed to a computing device having a wirelesscommunication system used at a parcel receipt facility at which parcelsare delivered by a mobile parcel delivery vehicle; wherein: thecomputing device includes a display screen, an input device; and securednotification functionality; the first transmission is addressed andwirelessly transmitted from the mobile parcel delivery vehicle; thefirst electronic data is transmitted to the mobile parcel deliveryvehicle from a stationary warehouse from which the parcels in thevehicle came; the mobile vehicle contains at least one parcel from thewarehouse that is identified for delivery to the parcel receiptfacility; rendering a display of the first electronic data on thedisplay screen; receiving input, from the input device, for the securednotification functionality and selected from the group consisting of: anacknowledgment of the receipt of the first electronic data at thecomputing device; a change of address request; a mail request; a requestfor an e-bill pay, a request to withhold the delivery of a parcel; arequest related to express mail; a request related to certified mail; areceipt on delivery of a parcel; a request related to an electronicpostmark; and combinations thereof; transforming the input at thecomputing device into second electronic data; and wirelesslytransmitting the second data from the computing device addressed to bereceived by the mobile vehicle for subsequent delivery by the mobilevehicle in a second transmission addressed to the warehouse.
 24. Themethod as defined in claim 23, wherein: the first electronic datarepresents a notification of an intended delivery of one said parcel inthe vehicle to the parcel receipt facility; and the second electronicdata further comprises instructions for the delivery of the one saidparcel in the vehicle to the parcel receipt facility.
 25. The method asdefined in claim 23, wherein: the first electronic data furthercomprises a request for an electronic signature; and the secondelectronic data further comprises the electronic signature.
 26. Themethod as defined in claim 23, wherein the method further comprising:wirelessly receiving, at the computing device, third electronic data ina third transmission addressed to and for output by the computing deviceand addressed from the warehouse; and wirelessly transmitting, from thecomputing device, fourth electronic data in a fourth transmissionaddressed to the warehouse.
 27. The method as defined in claim 23,wherein each of the first and second transmissions and at least aportion of the content therein are protected from tampering under UnitedStated Federal Law as related to the US Postal Service.
 28. Acomputer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed bya computer, perform the method of claim 23.